The prepared text of Democratic Gov. Jack Markell's State of the State address, delivered Thursday in Dover:More

The prepared text of Democratic Gov. Jack Markell's State of the State address, delivered Thursday in Dover:More

DOVER, Del. (AP) - Gov. Jack Markell is calling for more investment in schools and infrastructure to help build a strong economy in Delaware.

In remarks prepared for his State of the State address Thursday, Markell said state government needs to provide more opportunities to help launch high school students into colleges and careers. He proposed a scholarship program for low-income students and a grant program to help connect employers with high schools and universities.

Markell also proposed spending more than $1 billion on infrastructure improvements over the next five years, double the amount in the current financial plan.

Among other initiatives, the governor proposed investing $7 million in Delaware's downtown areas in an effort to leverage private funds and revitalize downtown areas. He also plans to unveil a clean-water initiative next month.

More than a dozen Democrats were elected to Virginia's House last fall, riding a wave of resentment against President Donald Trump. But they're having trouble keeping their bills alive in the Republican-led chamber.More

More than a dozen Democrats were elected to Virginia's House last fall, riding a wave of resentment against President Donald Trump. But they're having trouble keeping their bills alive in the Republican-led chamber.More

BETHANY BEACH, Del.- Bethany Beach is the latest Delaware beach town to ban canopies. After the required second reading of the ordinance, the town council voted 6-1 on Friday to prohibit canopies, tents, tarps and similar shading devices on their beaches More

BETHANY BEACH, Del.- Bethany Beach is the latest Delaware beach town to ban canopies. After the required second reading of the ordinance, the town council voted 6-1 on Friday to prohibit canopies, tents, tarps and similar shading devices on their beaches More